The ambitious consortium, which has put together a five-year business plan, says the hub will have accommodation for social enterprises, a community market, café, créche, craft workshops, studio space, gym, rehearsal space and function rooms. Parts of the run-down building will be clothed in a vertical garden - a botanical patchwork put together by the community.

Impressive

Benn told the meeting at Leeds Civic Hall: "I first met with the campaigners a few weeks ago ... it's certainly an impressive project.

"I'd like to congratulate the consortium. What they have done by bringing together so many people and putting together such a compelling argument is wonderful. I wish them luck."

Mulholland added: "It's a very impressive piece of work. When the consortium first came to see me I told them to put together a serious business plan, and they have."

The dilapidated Royal Park Primary School in Hyde Park has stood empty since 2004 and hit the headlines last year when protesters occupied the site in a protest against its deteriorating condition.

Consortium member John Lawrence said: "We are claiming a stake in the future of the community where we live - the community will be owners, stakeholders and decision-makers. The school used to be at the centre of the community and it can be again."

He said the consortium had put in an 'examplar bid' that was sustainable ecologically and financially. A large part of the spending plans would involve a woodchip boiler installation, costing around £200,000, and a lift, at £50,000, but Mr Lawrence stressed the project would be breaking even within five years and that grants would be available.

Volunteers

Andy Beresford, a Hyde Park resident of 20 years, said local tradesmen had come forward and volunteered their time and materials for free in a bid to get the project up and tunning. He also said the community could bac

On Saturday, more than 70 people attended a public meeting at All Hallows Church in Hyde Park, where they had the opportunity to discuss the plans with consortium members, read all about the project on display stands and listen to the consortium's presentation.

It is believed that two private developers may submit plans for the Royal Park site involving conversion to flats. The council's decision on the preferred developer is expected in mid-March.